Maldonado comes out first to the traditional Mexican music sporting red, white, and green. Donaire comes out clad in red, his corner bearing the Philippine flag proudly. Both fighters visibly put on some weight but look lean and rugged. As per IBO rules, after the 111 lb weigh in on the eve of the fight, both fighters were supposed to stay below 122 lbs at 9 am today. Although both are hard punchers as indicated by their records, Maldonado decides to sport the more cushioned Grant gloves while Donaire chose to don the puncher’s glove Cleto Reyes. True to his word, Donaire came out swinging with a hard left hook to the head to initiate the action. The following minute was followed by a feeling out process from outside mainly with the left jabs and right hands to the head and body of Maldonado.

A blistering counter from Donaire rocks Maldonado. An over-hand right followed by a left upper cut lands for Nonito. Maldonado is clearly having a hard time finding his stride against the super quick Flash.

ROUND 2

Donaire lands a lead right. Another lead right follows followed by a hard left hook showing power from both hands.

Maldonado is already marked on the left side of the his face, blood trickling over the left eye.

Maldonado cannot get his rhythm.

Maldonado is in danger of having the fight called off because of the blood. Maldonado’s face is as red as the Flash’s shorts.

Maldonado’s blood covers Donaire’s chest and face as the bell sounds.

ROUND 3

The last round could have been a 10-8 easily for Donaire. Nonito’s confidence is growing. Maldonado is always two steps behind.

Both sides of Maldonado’s face beginning to look like a beaten pulp.

Maldonado’s corner needs to consider stopping this fight on the stool.

ROUND 4

Maldonado is still game. However, his courage might be his downfall.

Out of desperation, Maldonado switches to south paw. It does not help as Donaire continues to stalk will well placed hooks and straight rights, which are stet up with a pawing jab.

Maldonado lands his best punch of the night and starts to get a little groove. This round might be the confidence builder that Maldonado needs.

The Flash’s pace slows and Maldonado’s picks up. Both land hard but Donaire finishes last with a strong blow to the body.

This has the making of a great fight!

ROUND 5

The proud Mexican battles on from the south paw stance still visibly battered. The bleeding on the left side ceases as Maldonado’s cutman does a great job. However, the right side continues to pour blood from the brow.

A small mark develops under Nonito’s left eye. His left hand is low and he seems to use this round as a breather.

He eats a couple of small soft left straights but counters well with crisp left hooks.

The blood on Maldonado’s face is bad now. The doctor may have to step in soon.

ROUND 6

Maldonado continues to come in head first – either brave or a glutton for punishment. Donaire might have missed his opportunity to capitalize on the cuts and his building momentum. This may be a longer night than expected.

The action slows but not the blood under Maldonado’s right eye. Just when you think Maldonado was going down from a Donaire power shot, Maldonado fights back hard trying to teal the round.

ROUND 7

Maldonado looks like he has Vaseline band aids over his two cuts over his eyes. On the cards, it is a shut out for Donaire but the rugged Mexican is making it harder for the young Donaire than the score cards tell.

Maldonado looks like he is crying blood out of both eyes but Donaire is not closing the show. He is patiently waiting for the opening like a seasoned pro. Both trade hard shots in the neutral corner. Donaire judges his distance with a placed left hand on Maldonado’s forehead and follows hard with bombs dropping Maldonado just as the 10 second warning sounds. Maldonado is saved by the bell.

ROUND 8

The doctor calls a halt as he checks the disfigured Maldonado. He is now standing on pure courage now. He eats a short right for his efforts.

Donarie tries to stop it with a barrage of shots in a neutral corner but the brave Mexican weathers the storm.

Donaire stalks him to the other side of the ring with huge powershots from all angles but Maldonado will not go down. What a chin!

The state inspectors and ringside physicians are scrambling on the outside. The ref is eyeing a stoppage.

The fight is over!

The ref wisely calls for a halt at 1:16 of Round 8, saving a stubborn Maldonado from further damage